Hundreds of couples report fraud by Jakarta wedding organiser, losses hit Rp 16 billion

INDONESIA: A popular wedding organiser in Jakarta has become a hot topic in Indonesia after allegedly defrauding hundreds of brides and grooms.

Wedding organiser By Ayu Puspita is suspected of deceiving clients, with police estimating total losses could reach Rp 16 billion (US$960,000), although data from each victim is still being verified.

The case first gained attention when a bridal makeup artist uploaded a video on TikTok showing a troubled wedding in West and North Jakarta on 6 December 2025.

Other videos emerged, with brides sharing their experiences of allegedly being deceived by the same organiser.

A TikTok account belonging to a wedding master of ceremonies (MC) revealed that her client was among the victims.

According to her account, no vendors arrived on the wedding day, and the promised outdoor garden décor was never delivered. Instead, makeshift decorations were hastily arranged by an emergency vendor shortly before the reception began.

Several victims have since come forward through podcast channels to recount their experiences. One bride said her solemn ceremony proceeded smoothly, but the reception descended into chaos when the catering vendor failed to show up.

Another bride revealed she had paid Rp 114 million (S$8,884) to Ayu Puspita for a package covering the venue, catering, family attire, and photography—only to be informed a day before the wedding that the venue had not been paid.

Victims Confront the Organiser

On Sunday (7 Dec), hundreds of furious victims gathered outside Ayu Puspita’s residence in Cipayung, East Jakarta, demanding accountability.

Many claimed their once-in-a-lifetime events had been completely ruined due to the organiser’s failure to deliver the contracted services.

In a statement, Ayu Puspita admitted that her company’s financial management was in disarray, describing her business model as a “digging a hole, filling a hole” scheme.

She explained that funds from new clients and exhibition proceeds were used to cover outstanding wedding expenses from previous clients.

She also allegedly used clients’ money for personal expenses, including purchasing luxury properties and travelling overseas.

Police Receive Hundreds of Complaints

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) have opened a dedicated complaint centre for victims.

Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations, confirmed that 171 complaints had been lodged as of this week.

Commissioner Onkoseno Sukahar, Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the North Jakarta Metropolitan Police, said the suspect allegedly lured clients through promotional services at low prices.

“Yes, those promotions were one of the suspect’s methods—offering packages at lower prices,” he said on Tuesday (9 Dec).

Ayu Puspita, the owner of the wedding organiser, has been formally named a suspect, alongside four others.

The group faces charges under Articles 372 and 378 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) for alleged embezzlement and fraud, which carry a maximum penalty of four years’ imprisonment.

The Head of the Advocacy Commission of the National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) has urged investigators to apply Article 63 of the Consumer Protection Law, which allows judges to impose additional penalties requiring suspects to compensate affected consumers.